Cpl John Dawe joined the Canadian Armed Forces in January 1994 as a reservist Combat Engineer with 45 Field Engineer Squadron (45 Fd Sqn) in Sydney N.S. Upon transferring to the Regular Force in May 2002, he was posted to 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4 ESR) with 42 Fd Sqn. He participated in various regimental routines, exercises, training, and courses with each unit.

In 2014, he was posted to the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME) as part of the quartermaster (QM) cell within the Tactics Sqn. From there, Cpl Dawe was assigned to HOLDFAST Troop to assist with the physical fitness and training of Personal Awaiting Training (PAT). While at CFSME, Cpl Dawe was actively engaged in the Army Run from 2014 to 2016 and the Cabot Trail Relay Race in 2018.

Cpl Dawe returned to 4 ESR from July 2017 to 2021 and held many positions within the 48 Squadron Quartermaster (SQ) section. During this time, he completed the Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit training at CFSME and the Primary Leadership Qualification course in Aldershot, NS.

In July 2021, Cpl Dawe was posted to his current position at the Canadian Army Trials and Evaluations Unit (CATEU) within the QM cell.

During his many years of loyal service and extensive tenure at 5 CDSB, Cpl Dawe has taken part in various domestic and expeditionary operations with 45 Fd Sqn and 4 ESR. Cpl Dawe was involved in the Manitoba flood relief efforts in 1997 and assisted with Op PERSISTENCE, the Swiss Air Flight 111 crash, in 1998. His deployments include Op MEDUSA, Afghanistan, in 2007 with the 2 RCR BG on Task Force (TF) 1-07; Op LENTUS, New Brunswick, in 2008 assisting with local flood relief efforts; and Op ATHENA, Afghanistan, in 2009 to with TF 3-09 as an Expedient Route Opening Capability operator.

Cpl Dawe has two children, Michael Thomas and Fiona Dawe. After 30 years of dedicated service, he will retire on 25 March 2024 and will remain in New Brunswick with his daughter. Cpl Dawe will take advantage of his retirement by pursuing several hobbies and taking care of himself and his family.